Mumbai
In a remarkable medical achievement, a 15-year-old schoolgirl from Mumbai, Anamta Aqeel Ahmad, has become the youngest person globally to receive an arm transplant from the shoulder level. This groundbreaking surgery was performed at a private hospital by a team led by Dr. Nilesh G. Satbhai, using an arm donated by a 9-year-old girl from Surat who was declared brain dead.
Anamta’s journey began when, at age 13, she suffered severe injuries after touching a live electric wire while playing on her terrace. Her right hand had to be amputated due to gangrene, while her left arm was badly injured. Despite her hardships, Anamta remained positive, relearning skills and scoring 92% in her SSC exams, even achieving 98 marks in Hindi.
Her family sought solutions for her condition and found hope in a hand transplant. After exploring numerous hospitals, they met Dr. Satbhai at Gleneagles Hospital, where Anamta was listed for surgery. When a suitable donor was found, the arm was airlifted to Mumbai within six hours to ensure its viability.
The complex 12-hour surgery involved restoring blood circulation and repairing nerves. Anamta is now recovering in the ICU and will begin rehabilitation soon, looking forward to returning to school and living life fully.
